Heavy metals (As, Hg and V) and stable isotope ratios (δ13C and δ15N) in fish from Yellow River Estuary, China

Heavy Metal Distribution in Aquatic Products from Eastern Guangdong and Associated Health Risk Assessment

With the rapid industrialization and urbanization of coastal areas, marine pollution (such as heavy metals) is increasingly contaminating the environment, posing significant public health risks. Eastern Guangdong, a key aquaculture and fisheries hub in China, has a growing market for aquatic products. Heavy metals persist in the environment and are difficult to degrade and bioaccumulate in marine organisms through the food web, presenting carcinogenic and mutagenic risks to humans, as top predators. This study analyzed 10 key species commonly consumed by residents of eastern Guangdong (bivalves, crustaceans, and fish), measuring the concentrations of six heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb) using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Pollution levels were assessed using the pollution index (Pi), and dietary exposure risks were evaluated via the target hazard quotient (THQ) for different age groups. Results showed that Pi values for all metals were within normal background levels, but bivalves had a high capacity for Cd accumulation, with pollution severity ranking as bivalves > crustaceans > fish. The THQ values for both adults and teenagers were <1 across all samples, indicating no risk to the health of residents. However, the TTHQ for Sanguinolaria sp. exceeded 1, indicating potential health risks. This study highlights the health risks of consuming heavy metal-contaminated aquatic products, particularly bivalves. Reducing the consumption of these high-metal species could help lower dietary exposure and associated risks. Our findings provide essential data for the quality assessment of aquatic products and offer dietary recommendations for residents in eastern Guangdong.

Antagonistic Effects, Sources, and Distribution of Selenium and Toxic Metals in Fish from Selenium-Rich and High Cadmium Areas, Dashan Region, China

The Gongxin River is one of the main rivers in the Dashan Region of Anhui Province in China, which is a Se-rich and high-Cd area, but no research has focused on the concentration, source, antagonism, and health risks of Se and TMs in fish. In this study, 120 fish samples (14 species), 24 sediment samples, and 24 water samples were collected to investigate the antagonistic effects, sources, and health risks of TMs and Se in fish from a typical selenium-rich and high cadmium region. Zn and Se in fish from the Gongxin River were higher than in the background, which might be attributed to the different feeding habits of different fish species. The apparent antagonism between Se and Cu, Pb, and Cd was explored, and the results showed that 30%, 75%, and 100% of the Se/Cu, Se/Pb, and Se/Cd ratios were greater than one, indicating that Cu, Pb, and Cd in fish might be combined with or detoxicated by Se. The source analysis of the elements showed that the geological background was the source of TMs and Se in fish samples. The amounts of Se and TMs were all within China's acceptable level guidelines, signifying no harm to citizens from eating fish.

Effects of diet and habitat on Hg levels in Japanese anchovy in the high seas of the northwestern Pacific Ocean

The aim of this study was to explore the effects of diet and habitat on the Hg levels of Japanese anchovy at different growth stages. We measured the amounts of Hg and stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes in the muscle and stable carbon and oxygen isotopes in the otoliths of 54 Japanese anchovy specimens obtained from the open seas of the Northwest Pacific Ocean (39°2'N ∼ 42°30'N, 154°02'E ∼ 161°29'E) between June and July 2021. Body length had a significant effect on δ13Cbulk, δ15Nbulk and Moto (P < 0.01). As individuals grew, δ13Cbulk and δ15Nbulk tended to gradually increase, but Moto tended to gradually decrease. The variation in the niches of Japanese anchovy at different growth stages showed that the standard ellipse-corrected area subsequently decreased with growth. It reached its smallest value in the 136-150 mm group, and there was no overlap between the 136-150 mm group and the other groups. The GAM results showed that Hg levels tended to decrease first and then increase with growth. There was a positive correlation between Hg levels and δ18Ooto in fish. Hg levels increased gradually with increasing δ15Nbulk. In our study, there may be a gradual shift in the diet of Japanese anchovy from phytoplankton to prey at higher trophic levels, and the depth of seawater in which the predators feed gradually increased with growth. Changes in diet and habitat were probably the main reasons for the increase in Hg levels.

Quantifying the bioaccumulation and trophic transfer processes of heavy metals based on the food web: A case study from freshwater wetland in northeast China

The contamination of wetlands by heavy metals, exacerbated by agricultural activities, presents a threat to both organisms and humans. Heavy metals may undergo trophic transfer through the food web. However, the methods for quantifying the bioaccumulation and trophic transfer processes of heavy metals based on the food web remains unclear. In this study, we employed stable isotope technology to construct a quantitative oriental white stork's typical food web model under a more accurate scaled Δ15N framework. On this basis, the concentrations for heavy metal (Cu, Zn, Hg, Pb) were analyzed, we innovatively visualized the trophic transfer process of heavy metals across 13 nodes and 45 links and quantified the transfer flux based on the diet proportions and heavy metal concentrations of species, taking into account biomagnification effects and potential risks. Our findings revealed that as for Cu and Pb, the transfer flux level was consistent with diet proportion across most links. While Hg and Zn transfer flux level exceeded the corresponding diet proportion in the majority of links. In summary, Hg exhibited a significant biomagnification, whereas Cu, Zn, Pb experienced biodilution. The fish dietary health risk assessment for fish consumers showed that Hg, Pb posed certain risks. This research marks a significant step forward in the quantitative assessment of multi-link networks involving heavy metals within the food web.

Trophodynamics and potential health risk assessment of heavy metals in the mangrove food web in Yanpu Bay, China

Mangroves are the cradle of coastal water biodiversity and are susceptible to heavy metal pollution. However, the trophic transfer mechanism of heavy metals in the mangrove food web and the resulting human health risks are not fully understood. Heavy metal concentration (Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Pb, V, Co) and stable isotope ratios of carbon and nitrogen (δ13C and δ15N) were evaluated in sediments and particulate organic matter, litter, and aquatic organisms (plankton, arthropods, mollusks, omnivorous fish, and carnivorous fish) from the Yanpu Bay mangroves. The results revealed that heavy metals exhibited different trophic transfer patterns. As and Hg were efficiently biomagnified, with trophic magnification factors of 1.17 and 1.42, respectively; while Cr, Ni, Cu, Cd, Pb, V, and Co were efficiently biodiluted. Zn exhibited a trophic magnification factor > 1 and was not significantly correlated with δ15N (p > 0.05), suggesting no biomagnification or biodilution. The heavy metals in the important fishery species (omnivorous fish and carnivorous fish) were below the permissible limits, except for Zn in Ophichthus apicalis. The assessment of probabilistic health risks revealed that fish consumption in adults and children posed an acceptable risk (total target hazard quotient <1).

Levels and health risk assessment of potential toxic elements in three dominant fish species from the Beibu Gulf, South China Sea

In this study, eight potential toxic elements (PTEs) and stable isotope ratios (δ13C and δ15N) were analyzed in three dominant fish species of the Beibu Gulf, namely Saurida tumbil, Pennahia macrocephalus and Upeneus sulphureus. The mean contents (mg/kg, dry weight) of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn in the three species of fish were 10.94, 0.11, 0.55, 2.00, 5.80, 0.47, 0.39, 41.70, respectively. Cr, Mn and Pb showed potential biomagnification effects in fish bodies while Cu and Zn were biodiluted through the food chain. The results of the health risk assessment showed that the total hazard quotient (THQ) ranged from 0.11 to 0.32 and 1.34 to 1.70 and the total carcinogenic risk (TCR) ranged from 5.44 × 10-4 to 1.35 × 10-3 and 6.35 × 10-3 to 1.57 × 10-2 for adults and children, respectively. These results suggest that consumption of the three fish species by adults lead to carcinogenic health risks and consumption of the three fish species by children would result in significant adverse health effects.

Heavy Metal Contamination in Sediments from Wetlands Invaded by Spartina alterniflora in the Yellow River Delta

Heavy metals are major pollutants that pose threats to wetland environments. In the present study, surface sediments from wetlands vegetated by invasive species Spartina alterniflora in the Yellow River Delta were collected and determined for the mass fractions of Co, Ni, As, Cd and Pb. Results showed mass fractions of Co, Ni, As, Cd and Pb in the sediments of the S. alterniflora communities ranged from 8.5 to 16.0, 13.9−27.9, 3.2−13.8, 0.08−0.24, and 17.6−37.5 mg/kg dw, respectively, generally presenting an order of Pb > Ni > Co > As > Cd. The levels of heavy metals in sediments in the S. alterniflora communities were higher than those in the wetland vegetated by the native plant species Suaeda heteroptera. Correlations among metal elements were highly significant, suggesting that they might have the same sources. Clay and TOC were important factors affecting the spatial distribution of metals. The Igeo values of the investigated elements in the sediments were frequently lower than 0, revealing the slight pollution status of these metals. Relatively slight values of Eri and RI suggested that the potential ecological risks caused by the 5 metals were low. Our findings could provide a better understanding of the correlation between metal pollution and bio-invasion in wetland ecosystems.

Ecotoxicology of mercury in burbot (Lota lota) from interior Alaska and insights towards human health

Fish consumption has many health benefits, but exposure to contaminants, such as mercury (Hg), in fish tissue can be detrimental to human health. The Tanana River drainage, Alaska, USA supports the largest recreational harvest of burbot (Lota lota) in the state, yet information to evaluate the potential risks of consumption by humans is lacking. To narrow this knowledge gap, we sought to (i) quantify the concentrations of total Hg ([THg]) in burbot muscle and liver tissue and the ratio between the two tissues, (ii) assess the effect of age, length, and sex on [THg] in muscle and liver tissue, (iii) evaluate if [THg] in muscle tissue varied based on trophic information, and (iv) compare observed [THg] to consumption guidelines and statewide baseline data. The mean [THg] was 268.2 ng/g ww for muscle tissue and 62.3 ng/g ww for liver tissue. Both muscle [THg] and liver [THg] values were positively associated with fish length. Trophic information (δ¹⁵N and δ¹³C) was not significantly related to measured [THg] in burbot muscle, which is inconsistent with typical patterns of biomagnification observed in other fishes. All burbot sampled were within the established categories for consumption recommendations determined by the State of Alaska for women of childbearing age and children. Our results provide the necessary first step towards informed risk assessment of burbot consumption in the Tanana drainage and offer parallels to fisheries and consumers throughout the subarctic and Arctic region.

Metal accumulation in relation to size and body condition in an all-alien species community

Metal pollution is one of the main environmental threats in freshwater ecosystems. Aquatic animals can accumulate these substances and transfer them across the food web, posing risks for both predators and humans. Accumulation patterns strongly vary depending on the location, species, and size (which in fish and crayfish is related to age) of individuals. Moreover, high metal concentrations can negatively affect animals' health. To assess the intraspecific relationship between metal accumulation and size and health (proxied by the body condition) of individuals, the concentration of 14 metals (Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, Zn) was analyzed in six alien species from the highly anthropogenically altered Arno River (Central Italy): five fish (Alburnus alburnus, Pseudorasbora parva, Lepomis gibbosus, Ictalurus punctatus, and Silurus glanis) and one crayfish (Procambarus clarkii). We found that in P. clarkii, Cu was negatively related to size, as well as Al in L. gibbosus and Mg for adult I. punctatus. Positive size-dependent relationships were found for Hg in L. gibbosus, Fe in S. glanis, and Cr in juvenile I. punctatus. Only Co and Mg in S. glanis were found to negatively correlate with individual health. Since metal concentrations in animal tissue depend on trade-offs between uptake and excretion, the few significant results suggest different types of trade-offs across different species and age classes. However, only predatory fish species (L. gibbosus, I. punctatus, and S. glanis) presented significant relationships, suggesting that feeding habits are one of the primary drivers of metal accumulation.

The Bioaccumulation and Health Risk Assessment of Metals among Two Most Consumed Species of Angling Fish (Cyprinus carpio and Pseudohemiculter dispar) in Liuzhou (China): Winter Should Be Treated as a Suitable Season for Fish Angling

Wild fish caught by anglers were validated to be commonly polluted by metals, but their contamination status could be varied with changing seasons. To determine the seasonal variation in metal pollution and health risks in these fish, this study took Liuzhou City as an example to investigate the concentrations of eight metals in two dominant angling fishes (Cyprinus carpio and Pseudohemiculter dispar) collected, respectively, in winter and summer. The obtained results suggested the mean concentrations of metals in fish are overall lower in winter. Only Cr, Zn, and Cd in some fish were beyond the thresholds in summer. The significant correlations between fish length and weight and most metals suggested the biological dilution effect could exert its influence in winter. The similar distribution of metals in winter suggested that metal bioaccumulation should be manipulated by living habitats, while the inconsistent distribution of metals in summer may be related to the variation in feeding behavior. The metal pollution index (Pi) values were all below 0.2 in winter, which suggested no metal contamination in fish, but most fish were found to be mostly contaminated by Cr and Cd in summer, which was confirmed by their Pi > 0.2. The fish could be consumed freely in winter due to the total target hazard quotient (TTHQ) below 1, while the consumption of fish was not entirely safe in summer, particularly for children, due to TTHQ values that were generally beyond 1. Given the higher weekly recommended consumption of fish in winter, winter should be treated as a suitable season for fish angling.

Trace Metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Zn) and Stable Isotope Ratios (δ13C and δ15N) in Fish from Wulungu Lake, Xinjiang, China

Wulungu Lake is a vital fishery area in Xinjiang. However, the concentration, enrichment rules, and sources of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the aquatic organisms, have rarely been investigated. The results suggest that the concentrations of As, Ni, Pb, and Zn were higher than those recommended by the national standards for edible fish in some species. Hg, Ni, Cu, Pb, Cr, and Zn in the fish were dependent on the concentration of trace metals in the water environment (p < 0.05). The body weights of the fish were significantly negatively correlated with only Hg (p < 0.05); however, their body lengths were significantly positively correlated with As, Cu, Zn, and Hg contents. Values of δ¹³C ‰ (δ¹⁵N ‰) for the entire fish food web was found to range from -19.9‰ (7.37‰) to -27.7‰ (15.9‰), indicating a wide range of trophic positions and energy sources. Based on the linear correlation, As, Cu, Cd, and Zn contents were positively correlated with δ¹⁵N (p < 0.05), and bioaccumulation was observed in the fish. The target hazard quotient (THQ) of all fish species was less than 1, indicating the absence of potential risks to human health.

From Past Use to Present Effects: Total Mercury in Crustaceans and Fish in the Inner Estuary of Paraíba do Sul River, Southeast Brazil

Total mercury (Hg) concentration and stable isotope ratios (δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N) were used as chemical tracers in two crustaceans and four fish species that are targets of subsistence fishery in the inner estuary of the Paraíba do Sul River. This fluvial environment in southeast Brazil has a large historical utilization of Hg. δ¹⁵N was a better predictor of Hg concentration in the muscle (edible part) than δ¹³C; i.e., the Hg concentration was more closely related to the trophic position of species than species' trophic habitat. Consumers at higher trophic levels had higher Hg concentrations. The Hg concentration was below the maximum permissible limits established by the Brazilian Government in fishery products, and there are no human risks related to its consumption.

Heavy metal pollution and stable isotope ratios (δ13C and δ15N) in marine organisms from the Northern Beibu Gulf, South China Sea

Twenty biota species were collected from the Northern Beibu Gulf to understand the heavy metal pollution status and biomagnification characteristics. Mean concentrations (μg/g) of Mn, Zn, Pb, Cr, Ni, As, Cu, and Cd in the biota species were 0.99, 38.33, 0.14, 0.079, 0.085, 51.10, 7.92, and 0.21, respectively. As levels in most biota species exceeded the corresponding guidelines. Crabs were detected with high metal accumulation ability for each heavy metal except Pb. The ranges of δ¹⁵N and δ¹³C in organisms were from 8.0‰ to 15.6‰ and from -21.4‰ to -15.6‰, respectively. Cr, Mn, Ni, and As showed potential biomagnification trends in the food webs. The EDI values of these elements decreased by the sequence of As > Zn > Cu > Mn > Cd > Pb > Ni > Cr. High THQ and CR values for As indicated a potential health risk by consumption of these aquatic products.

Trophic transfer of heavy metals through aquatic food web in a seagrass ecosystem of Swan Lagoon, China

The Swan Lagoon is a national nature reserve and an important spawning ground in China. In this study, we evaluated the concentration of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn) in different aquatic organisms (aquatic plants, crustaceans, mollusks, and fish), in order to examine their trophic transfer in food web. The results showed that the concentrations of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn were considerably higher in mollusks, whereas Cr concentrations were significantly higher in aquatic plants than in mollusks, crustaceans, and fish (p < 0.01). Heavy metals exhibit different patterns of trophic transfer in food web. Cd, Cr, Cu, and Pb tended to be efficiently biodiluted with increasing trophic levels in food web (trophic magnification factor, TMF < 1; p < 0.05). The concentration of Zn increased with increasing trophic level; however, it exhibited a TMF of only 1.03, and was not significantly correlated with δ¹⁵N (p > 0.05), indicating neither biomagnification or biodilution in the food web.

Evaluation of potential ecological risk, possible sources and controlling factors of heavy metals in surface sediment of Caohai Wetland, China

Caohai, a plateau wetland in Southwest China, is a national nature reserve providing protection for a variety of threatened and endangered species of migrant birds (e.g., the black-necked crane Grus nigricollis). It has been experiencing the increasing environmental problems with heavy metals due to anthropogenic activities. However, the contamination of heavy metals in different habitats is unclear. Surface sediment samples from these habitats were thus collected to analyze the distribution characteristics, potential risk and possible sources for heavy metals (Cd, Hg, Pb, Zn, Ni, Cr, Cu, Be, and V). The results showed that all of Cd, Hg, Pb, Zn, Cr, and Ni concentrations exceeded the background values, and these elements (except Cr and Ni) presented comparatively high levels in habitat adjacent to urban in comparison with the other habitats. Based on the regression analysis, we found that metals with higher EFs (Cd, Hg, Pb, and Zn) were mainly controlled by anthropogenic loadings, while metals with lower EFs (Cr, Ni, Be, and V) were mainly associated with sediment properties (pH or NOM). In addition, the results from geo-accumulation index, Hakanson potential ecological risk assessment, and risk assessment code showed that Cd and Hg posed a medium to high environmental risk to the ecosystem, and the other heavy metals posed no or low risk. Therefore, to protect this wetland ecosystem and to supply a well habitat for migratory birds, greater efforts aimed at reducing anthropogenic discharges and remediating sediment contaminated with heavy metals should be pursued.

Toxic element (As and Hg) content and health risk assessment of commercially available rice for residents in Beijing based on their dietary consumption

Arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg) are toxic elements that are often classified as heavy metals, much like cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) and others. In this study, we determined the As and Hg contents in rice samples obtained from commercially available rice in Beijing and the health risks associated with daily dietary exposure to As and Hg by the consumption of this rice. Furthermore, the pollution levels of the rice were evaluated based on the Nemerow index. For this purpose, we collected 353 rice samples from 16 municipal districts in Beijing and determined the As and Hg contents in these samples by microwave digestion and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results were as follows: (i) the average content of As in the collected rice samples was 154.91 μg/kg (95% confidence interval (CI) of 139.90-169.92 μg/kg), and the average content of Hg was 2.02 μg/kg (95% CI of 1.25-2.79 μg/kg), which did not exceed the limits established by China's National Standard; (ii) the Nemerow index indicated that the As and Hg contents in these rice samples were safe; (iii) the dietary exposure to As and Hg by rice consumption was, respectively, 15.35 μg/day and 0.20 μg/day, which accounted for 12.91% and 3.35% of the total dietary exposure, respectively; (iv) the hazard quotients (HQs) of As and Hg by the dietary consumption of rice were, respectively, 0.77 and 0.03, and both the HQ and hazard index (HI is 0.8) were less than one. These results indicate that dietary exposure to As and Hg would have no detrimental effect on the health of the residents in the study area; however, the possible carcinogenesis by As in these residents warrants serious attention.

Content and dietary exposure of cadmium among residents in Northeast China: a case study based on the 5th China Total Diet Study

Cadmium (Cd), one of the harmful heavy metals, and its accumulation or pollution might cause itai-itai disease. In this study, we investigated the dietary exposure of Cd among residents in Northeast China (including Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Liaoning provinces) and also compared the health risks in adult males in terms of dietary intake. Cd contents in 12 categories of foods were derived from original data from the 5th China Total Diet Study (TDS). The following results were obtained in this study: (i) dietary exposure levels of Cd at the margin of safety (MOS) were 4.55, 1.82, and 2.85 in Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Liaoning provinces, respectively; (ii) the primary dietary sources of Cd included cereals, legumes, potatoes, meat, aquatic products, and vegetables; (iii) Cd contents in the same food category from different regions were not significantly different from the limit of China's National Standards (LCNSs); (iv) dietary exposure of Cd would not have a detrimental effect on the health of residents in Northeast China; (v) we recommend the government to take precedence of the supervision and spot-checking of cereals, legume-nuts, potatoes, meat, aquatic products, vegetables, and alcoholic beverages because of the higher dietary consumption than others; (vi) 99.99% of the Cd content in cereals, legumes, vegetables, meat, and aquatic products sold in Northeast China was less than the LCNSs at the present situation; and (vii) the harmful effects of Cd to human beings are associated with the Cd content in foods and the consumption of such foods.

Levels of eight heavy metals and health risk assessment considering food consumption by China's residents based on the 5th China total diet study

The total diet study (TDS) is a significant part of food consumption-based health risk assessment. Since 1990, China has conducted five TDSs based on its unique food culture. In the present study, the health risks of residents from 20 regions of China are assessed by comparing the estimated daily intake (EDI) with adequate intake (AI) for Cr, and the estimated dietary exposure (EDE) with the reference dose (RfD) for seven toxic heavy metals (THMs), which are Al, As, inorganic arsenic (iAs), Cd, Hg, methyl mercury (MeHg), and Pb. The original data were sourced from the 5th China TDS. The data indicated the following: (1) Cereals and vegetables were the main dietary exposure sources of Al, As, iAs, Cd, and Cr; aquatic foods were the important dietary exposure source for As, Hg, and MeHg, especially for the residents from coastal regions. (2) Compared to other elements, Pb had more dietary exposure sources, which included cereals, vegetables, meats, and beverages and water. (3) Potatoes, beverages and water, and meats were the important sources of Al, iAs, and Cr. The results showed that the average level of the dietary intake of Cr was 11 times higher than the AI, as determined from the ratio of EDI to Al. Moreover, the hazard quotients (HQs) of Al, iAs, Cd, Hg, MeHg, and Pb were <1, while that of As (6.49) was >1; therefore, the EDIs of As and Cr by the residents of China are worthy of attention. Additionally, the discrepancies in the dietary exposures of HMs by the residents were due to the different HM contents among different types of foods, and the different dietary structures.